CHEGUTU – AN alert single mother is already busy preparing for next year so that she can beat
the January disease that troubles a lot of people, who squander their money during the festive
season.
Shebbah Chokora has already bought complete school uniforms for her daughter, who is going to
Form I next year.
She also bought cartons of both mathematics and writing exercise books and packs of counter
books. She says that she is also into mukando club, where the club members share their proceeds
early December each year.
Mukando club consists of men and women, who contribute a certain amount of money a month.
The money is lent to group members, who in turn return the money with interest to boost their
coffers.
The members then share the money in December to ease the burden that comes with end of year
holidays. Each member is expected to receive US$800.
I am ready and prepared for January disease, as you can see. Ndakatotenga uniform
yemwanasikana wangu akuenda Form I paPfupajena apa. Mabhuku zvose nemari yechikoro
ndakagadzirira zvokuti handina chekuchema paJanuary disease apa. Prevention is better than
cure, said Chokora.
The issue of foodstuffs for both Christmas and New Year holiday was non-existent as they feed
every day.
Tongotenga maChicken and a kilogramme of rice and the days pass by. What is important is
what I have covered so far,she explained.
Many people find themselves in a financial crisis after the Christmas and New Year holidays
after they spend their money on non-essential things like beer and too much food, forgetting their
obligations after the festive season.
Parents will find themselves in last minute rush trying to make the ends meet. Parents will also
end up sending their children to schools that were not their first choices as they fail to afford a
one-off payment for Grade and Form I first term at Government schools.